REPOST - CNB Investigative Background Check Services RFR

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is seeking a qualified vendor to provide comprehensive investigative background check services for individuals and entities applying for marijuana establishment licenses. The work includes standard domestic checks (CORI, warrants, court records, motor‑vehicle records, sanctions, professional licensing, cannabis‑industry licensing history, adverse media, etc.) and, when justified, international sanctions searches subject to prior approval. The contractor must deliver “Commission‑ready” reports, ensure all data remains U.S.‑based, encrypted in transit and at rest, and support secure data transfer, business continuity, and ongoing technical support. Experience in the cannabis sector or a similarly regulated industry (e.g., gaming, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, financial services) of at least three years is required, with optional certifications (NIST, SOC 2, HITRUST, FedRAMP) considered advantageous. The contract is a 12‑month base term with two optional 12‑month renewals (up to 36 months total) and a fee‑for‑service pricing model (per‑investigation unit price plus hourly rates for extra services). • Provide individual and entity background investigations covering criminal, civil, regulatory, licensing, financial and adverse‑media checks. • Deliver secure, commission‑ready reports and maintain all data on U.S. servers with encryption and access controls. • Offer optional international searches only with prior CCC approval; bill variable pass‑through costs separately. • Must have ≥ 3 years investigative experience in cannabis or a comparable regulated industry and be able to meet cybersecurity and data‑privacy expectations.